The big city is getting a little bigger with the start of Open House New York, a special weekend where some of the cities greatest landmarks and normally closed off portions of the city are opened up for tours to see some of the most exclusive areas around New York’s busy streets. Discover the secrets that even native New Yorker’s aren’t aware of and dive into the depths of what makes New York city the greatest city in the world.

Currently the 8th tallest building in New York, this 66-story skyscraper has overseen a three-year renovation transforming it from an office building into residential apartments, a hotel, and retail space. With a landmarked Art Deco lobby, 70 Pine has become one of New York’s most interesting places to visit. Tours will visit the Art Deco lobby and a model apartment.

Transforming a warehouse into a designer space is second nature when it comes to the brilliant team behind A/D/O. This creative hub in North Brooklyn’s Industrial Business Zone contains a world class restaurant, public workspace, prototyping studio, design store, and an in-house accelerator in addition to many professional programs. Created for designers by designers, A/D/O is whirlwind of creative ideas, brought to life under one roof.

There’s a lot of untapped potential for green spaces in the way of New York rooftops, and Brooklyn Grange is working to make use of all of it. As the leading rooftop farming business in the US, they grow over 50,000 lbs. of organically cultivated produce every year, and they do it all on the rooftops of New York. Come discover how New York’s rooftops are going green and watch the concrete jungle come to life.

As the largest Episcopal church building in the Diocese of Long Island, the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew contains some of the most incredible examples of stained glass artwork in the city. Featuring stained glass from Tiffany Studios in New York as well as the Rose window, given to the church in 1890 during its rebuilding, this holy landmark is sure to impress architects and artists alike. Music fans will enjoy the M.P. Mollar organ from 1916 with 61 ranks and 80 stops.

Far from the melancholy tone of his writing, this rustic cottage in the Bronx is the site where Edgar Allen Poe spent the last years of his life, from 1846 to 1849. During his time in the cottage Poe penned many of his most famous works, including “The Cask of Amontillado.”

With a gothic design reminiscent of dystopian cityscapes, the Brooklyn Army Terminal once served as the largest military supply in the United States. Built in 1918 this facility has slowly been transformed into a modern industrial campus, currently housing more than 100 tenants with 3,600 employees. In addition to a tour of the atrium, dozens of artists will have their studios on display to tour as well.

An underground garden is only the beginning of the mission of the people at the Lowline. This community-based organization is making leaps and bounds using solar technology to revitalize and transform areas of the city into reclaimed land, specifically in underground spaces. Visit one of the first underground gardens, kept alive through sunlight that is filtered in through lenses and tubes to create a one of a kind experience in one of the world’s first underground parks.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to that bottle or can you threw in the recycling, look no further than the Sunset Park Material Recovery Factory. Housed in a building built from reclaimed steel, this normally closed off facility invites visitors to discover the impact of recycling on the city of New York in a facility designed to impress.

Part of the 1964 World’s Fair, the New York State Pavilion is most easily recognized for its three observatory towers, featured in the original Men In Black film. Make sure to arrive early to get into the “hard hat” tour of the “Tent of Tomorrow” once praised as being the world’s largest suspension roof.

The flavors of fall are ripe for the harvest, and the outlets at The Roosevelt grant you access to them all. Experience the perfect marriage of food and drink when you dine with the Grande Dame of New York city, and send your taste buds on a trip to last the ages. If you’d like a taste of what we have to offer, try this recipe and discover truly fine dining.

Ingredients:

Melted leeks:

Salt and pepper

1 ounce butter

1 ounce olive oil

1 large leeks, washed and sliced thinly on a bias

Wild mushrooms:

1lbs wild mushrooms

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

Halibut:

4 6-ounce halibut fillets

2 ounces butter

2 ounces extra virgin olive oil

8 ounces water

Salt and pepper

Lemon juice

2 Tablespoons chopped chives

Method:For the Melted leeks:
In a medium rondo, melt the butter and olive oil over low heat and add sliced leeks, salt and pepper. Mix well and let cook slowly until the leeks are completely cooked, about 30 minutes

For the Mushrooms:Preheat oven to 450ºF. cut the mushrooms into medium-large pieces, toss in a large bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper, and spread on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Roast until caramelized.

For the Halibut:Preheat oven to 250ºF. Season the halibut fillets with salt and pepper. Heat butter, olive oil, and water in a large sauté pan with a tight fitting lid. When mixture reaches a boil, quickly slide the halibut filets in the pan, cover the pan, and place in the oven. The halibut is ready when a metal skewer inserted into the fish feels warm to the touch. While the halibut braises, warm the melted spring onions in a small sauce pot, add the cooked mushrooms and chives to the hot onions, and stir to incorporate.

To Assemble and Serve:Divide the spring onion mixture equally among four plates. Place a halibut filet on top of each pile and spoon a small amount of the braising juices on and around the fish.

Let your taste buds explore new sensations this year during the ninth annual New York City Wine & Food Festival, running from October 13 -16. This festival of flavor is the perfect chance to try delicious inspired dishes and incredible wines, all while surrounded by some of the culinary greats. Rub elbows with your favorite chefs, and keep your eyes peeled for celebrity faces as well. The best part is, 100 percent of the event’s net proceeds go to support the No Kid Hungry campaign as well as the Food Bank for New York City. Go ahead and indulge, there’s no better time to go back for seconds than during the most delicious days New York has to offer. Here are just some of the amazing events you’ll want to look out for during this delicious event. Remember to act fast, as tickets sell out quickly!

Sit down for a delicious chicken dinner hosted by Hollywood legend Whoopi Goldberg and renowned chef Andrew Carmellini. Sample unique and inventive chicken dishes while enjoying champagne and sparkling wines and a host of delicious deserts all provided by some of NYC’s most famous chefs. The event will be held at The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg.

Taco lovers won’t want to miss this late night sampling of a wide variety of delicious tacos paired with creative coktails, all prepared by top chefs and mixologists. Hosted by superstaf chef and taco aficionado Aaron Sanchez, this late night affair is a perfect way to spice up the evening.

Presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats and hosted by Rachel Ray, this rooftop event brings together top chefs to create and flip the best burger. A panel of judges will decide the winner while attendants eat, drink, and dance the night away. Look out for special celebrity judges Michale Strahan, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka and Chef Josh Capon.

Explore the new food hall in Union Square and delve into inventive sushi, ceviche and crudo dishes created by some of the preeminent sushi chefs. Hosted by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this rocking karaoke party last through the night and is always one of the most popular events of the weekend.

Learn the lost art of baking bread alongside the expert behind Brooklyn’s legendary bakery, Bien Cuit, chef Zach Golpher. Become a master baker and take home a copy of Bien Cuit: The Art of Bread to continue your craft during this delicious start to your Saturday morning.

Refine your tastes and learn the secrets of a stunning cocktail with renowned flavor chemist and mixologist, Alex Ott. Delve into the secrets behind your favorite drinks during this sampling and snack event, held in the brand new Meatpacking hot spot, Kola House.

Try something a little more theatrical with Broadway Tastes, hosted by Niel Patrick Harris and David Burtka. This delicious lunchtime event brings New York’s best chefs together to create delicious dishes inspired by Broadway shows. Sample the food while interacting with real cast members and enjoy a delicious brunch created by all-star chefs.

Spend an evening with culinary adventurer Andre Zimmern as you close out the festival with the best Asian food in New York City. Sample a wide variety of dim sum, noodles, sushi, potstickers and more while sipping on wine, sake, cocktails and beer. There’s no better way to close out your festival and fill up your stomach one last time.